A Designs Audio ATTY

Description

A Designs ATTY Level Control Demo/Open Box

Description:

Stereo passive audio level control device that provides a simple solution to volume and line level output control.

What we think:

With so many products on the audio-recording market, it's a sight to see when a new product comes along that is so simple and so basic that it makes you wonder why someone hadn't invented something like this years ago. The new ATTY Level Controller from California-based A Designs Audio is such a product. I've had the good fortune of using the A Designs Audio MP-1 and MP-2 all-tube microphone preamplifiers, and have been interested to try other products being released by this no-nonsense company headed by Peter Montessi.

When I heard about the ATTY, the first thing I thought was that this would be the perfect box to act as a volume control for active monitors. Now that I've had the ATTY for my own use, I've come up with other applications:

2. Control output level on outboard gear that has no output control – such as the FMR Audio RNP.

3. Tame hot mic signals without using a mic pad.

4. Use as fine output adjust on mic pres to allow for feeding more signal into the input stage for more sonic variation.

5. Remote volume control for DPA 4061 mic on my live acoustic guitar.

Manufacturer Description:

The ATTY (rhymes with “Patty”) is a no-compromise totally transparent passive two-channel line-level attenuator. ATTY’s attractive price point and tiny footprint (4-1/2” x 1-1/2” x 3”) makes it a highly versatile and convenient solution for many applications. Suitable for use in any world-class recording facility, it can also serve as a cost-effective solution to more than a few problems faced by project studio owners, and is an invaluable addition to just about any live or remote broadcast rig.

ATTY’s interface is simplicity personified. Housed in a rugged metal enclosure, it has two Neutrik XLR/balanced 1/4” combo jacks and two balanced XLR outputs that deliver noise-free operation. A single convenient knob controls both output channels, and a Mute button lets you easily silence your source without having to change a dialed-in level. ATTY’s passive design allows it to be used in a plethora of applications, the most common being control of any line-level output device…but wait - there’s more! Say you’re recording kick drum and snare with an API 3124. The input gain is set at the sweet spot…but, due to the API’s hot output, you need a touch of attenuation to protect your converters from clipping, and you don’t want to change sound quality by using its pads or record with compression. ATTY is the answer.

Another useful application is wiring an ATTY in line with a stereo tube preamp (such as the A-Designs MP-2A) and exploring different in/out level combinations without overloading other gear. It’s also a handy device for maintaining level control of powered monitors that have a separate volume control on each speaker. Once you calibrate your monitors to equal levels, you need never touch them again. If you find yourself in situations where more than two inputs and outputs require level control, be sure to check out ATTY’s rack mountable big brother, the six-channel ATTY2’D.Add an ATTY or two to your live or studio setup today. You won’t believe how much bang you get for your buck